Surf
These are some of the amazing places where you can relax and practice your favorite activity “surfing” in one of the most exciting countries: Costa Rica.
It is not by accident that Costa Rica has become one of the best surfing destination in he world, not only for its heaven-like oceans, but also for its variety of surf sports.
The Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean coast is known for having a rasta-mentality, but it also has a strong native culture. The air is hot all year round, the water warm, and the best time for waves is January to April. All the beaches are popular with the locals on the weekends.
To get there from the airport, it's a drive through downtown and then another 2 hours to Limon through mountainous terrian for the first hour and then a straight shot to the coast. Add another hour to get to Cahuita or PuertoViejo, 70 km. south on the coast. From there it's only 50 km. to Panama. Or travel north 5 km. to Playa Bonita and find a boat to take you farther to Tortugero.
If you need to find an internet cafe, there are two in town, and there is an ATM at the only bank in town. Bring your VISA card.
Some of the activities you can do in the Caribbean Coast are: surfing, fishing (beach, river, and offshore), hiking, bird watching, white water rafting, river kayaking, scuba diving, mountain biking, horseback riding and Bri-Bri Indian Tours
Puerto Viejo (Salsa Brava)
An area with plenty of surf, but most well known for the biggest and most powerful wave in Costa Rica, "Salsa Brava" or "Mean Salsa". This thick, voluminous, Hawaiian-style wave builds in deep water and break on a shallow reef. Puerto Viejo is approximately a 3-1/2 hour drive from San José. Plenty of restaurants and hotel accommodations are available in the area.
South Pacific Coast
Playa Dominical
Dominical is located 45 kms. south of Quepos, and 36 kms. west of San Isidro de General. There are over 15 waterfalls located between Dominical and Uvita (15kms. south) with breathtaking views of the numerous empty point and beach breaks along the coastal highway.
Although high season is December 15 to April 15, Dominical is never overcrowded except from Christmas to New Years and Easter Week. Then hundreds of locals come to visit, party, and camp on the mile long beach (don't forget the mosquito repellent and the umbrella since you are in the rainforest).
If you need to find an internet cafe, there are three in town, but for an ATM machine - the closest is in San Isidro, a 45 min. scenic ride inland.
Some of the activities you can do there besides surfing are: fishing (beach, river, and offshore), hiking, bird watching, river kayaking, soccer, mountain biking, horseback riding, tree climbing & canopy tours and shopping.
General Information for Dominical surfers
Playa Dominical is known as the most consistent surf spot in Costa Rica. There is almost always a wave worth riding.
It is also known as a powerful break.
It is almost impossible to surf at dead low tide as the waves close out into very shallow water.
The mid-tides are great for more advanced surfers. The waves at mid-tide are faster and hollower and always less crowded.
The bigger the wave, the more you should focus on high tide.
The beach runs from the south east to the north west. Looking straight out to sea perpendicular to the beach you are looking at an angle of 210 degrees south west. This means that a swell coming from 210 degrees is most likely going to be closing out, where a swell coming from under 200 degrees or over 220 (rare) will have better form.
Usually, but not always, when the waves come from less than 210 degrees the current flows south to north.
When it rains, the river can act up and dump some pretty nasty, cold and muddy water. So, if it is raining, most people tend to stick further south near the cell tower.
Central Pacific Coast
Jaco
Known as the surfing capital of Costa Rica, playa Jacó offers a large variety of surf shops where you can obtain the forecast on the weather and waves.
From the airport, Jaco is the closest surf town - a drive of less than two hours through the mountains. Some of the activities you can enjoy in this area, all within walking distance are: surfing, fishing (beach,river,and offshore), boat trip, zipline tour, golfing, crocodile watching, suntanning, shopping for surfboards or souveniers and viewing professional surf contests.
This is the ideal town for surfers; it is located at a strategic site from where to reach other spots. Jacó has great beach breaks. It offers a great variety of lodging facilities, as well as restaurants and great party ambiance.
While Playa Jacó provides the core of surfing activity in the country, form there it is relatively easy to go quickly to the many other beaches in the area, including Playa Dominical, 2 hours South of Jacó. A few minutes North, you will find Playa Escondida, Playa Valor and Tivives. In addition, Boca Barranca is a must. Considered one of the surfing paradises of America, it has the longest waves in Costa Rica.
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa lies 10 minutes south of Jacó. There are great beach breaks at low and high tides. When weather conditions are nice, you may see some amazing tubular waves rolling in.
Esterillos, Bejuco , Boca Damas
An area with good potential for those willing to go a little out of their way for surf. Plenty of beach breaks with conditions similar to those of Playa Hermosa. Access is easy ad some accommodations exist.
North Pacific Coast
Situated in the province of Guanacaste, the North Pacific area has good spots as well, Mal País, Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa, Manzanillo, Playa Camaronal, Nosara and many others are just two hours away from the port of Puntarenas, and all of them have great breaks. In addition, the ferry that takes you across the Gulf of Nicoya provides a nice ride and a perfect way to relax a bit.
In the northern zone Guanacaste there are good surfing spots in the area, including Roca Bruja (Witch's Rock"), Playa Negra, Avellanas, Tamarindo, Langosta, and the very popular Playa Grande.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo it's not just for surfers ~ but anyone looking to relax near the beach. And if you surf, the dry season's Papagayo winds blow offshore all day long.
To get there, from San Jose, drive west towards Orotina. Then you can either take the ferry from Puntarenas (longest route, but most scenic) - take the bridge across the Tempisque River (a quick, scenic route) or drive 2 hours up to Liberia and then west for another 2 hours.During the rainy season, the trees envelop the road in a tunnel of foilage. In the dry season, the suns blazes down on a dusty tan horizon.
Some of the activities Tamarindo beach offers are: surfing, swimming & suntanning and boat trips fishing or surfing or both!!
.
| 
